Pinal Fire News Release

Pinal Fire BAER Report No. 4

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) work continues with the addition of several new projects, including the mulching of 1,125 acres that was burned during the Pinal Fire.

Funds also were approved for “storm patrols” which will consist of cleaning debris from inlets and outlets of road culverts affected by storm water runoff, sediment and debris, and cleaning debris from the road prism. The installation of warning signs will warn visitors of the danger from falling rocks and trees damaged by the fire or destabilized by storm runoff.

Work will soon begin on stabilizing approximately 13 miles of trails within the Pinal Fire area.Work will consist of creating the drainage improvements and erosion protection needed to protect the Forest’s investment in its trail infrastructure.

There is also a potential for the spread of invasive weed species into the fire area from previous fire suppression work.Plants such as Bull Thistle, Russian knapweed, and Tree of Heaven could potentially establish themselves in the burned area. The Pinal Fire will be monitored for the presence of these species along roads and fire lines. If found, eradication efforts will occur to minimize the establishment of these invasive weeds.

While these treatments will help reduce post-fire effects, potential threats to life and property will remain during runoff events.